The Members of Parliament (Travelling and Daily Allowances) Amendment Rules, 2021

## Report on Amendments to Members of Parliament Travelling and Daily Allowances Rules, 1957 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes the amendments to the Members of Parliament Travelling and Daily Allowances Rules, 1957, as notified in the Gazette of India on May 12, 2022. The core purpose of these amendments, as evidenced by the text, is to update and streamline the process for submitting and verifying travel allowance claims, particularly concerning air travel. Key changes include the introduction of online submission of claims with self-attested tickets and boarding passes, allowances for self-declaration in cases of misplaced boarding passes, and provisions for both online and physical document submission, coupled with mandatory verification from airlines. This report aims to provide clear information about these changes and their implications for Members of Parliament. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an analysis of the amendments made to the Members of Parliament Travelling and Daily Allowances Rules, 1957, as published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Subsection (i), No. 351(E), dated May 12, 2022. The analysis is based solely on the content of the provided policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy:** Members of Parliament Travelling and Daily Allowances Rules, 1957. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the amendment text, the core objective of the *original* policy is assumed to regulate the travelling and daily allowances of Members of Parliament. This *amendment's* objective focuses on modernizing and clarifying the claims process, with an emphasis on air travel. **4. Background and Rationale:** This amendment appears to address the need for a more efficient and technologically advanced system for managing travel allowance claims for Members of Parliament. The inclusion of provisions for online submission, self-declaration in case of misplaced boarding passes, and explicit verification requirements suggests an effort to reduce administrative burden, enhance transparency, and potentially mitigate fraudulent claims. The emphasis on air travel implies that it constitutes a significant portion of travel claims. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This amendment modifies Rule 3A of the Members of Parliament Travelling and Daily Allowances Rules, 1957. The changes are focused on sub-rule 5, which is entirely replaced by the following provisions: * **Specific Change:** Sub-rule 5 of Rule 3A in the original 1957 Rules is substituted. * **New Rule/Provision:** * **(a)** Mandates online submission of self-attested travel allowance claims, air journey tickets, and boarding passes for air travel undertaken under sections 4, 5, or 6C (by a member), section 6B (by the spouse of a member), or section 6D (by an attendant of a member). * **(b)** Allows the submission of online boarding passes for both official and personal air journeys of members. * **(c)** Permits the submission of a self-declaration certificate in lieu of misplaced boarding passes when submitting travel allowance bills. * **(d)** Provides an option for physical submission of travel allowance bills with all requisite documents if online submission is not feasible. * **(e)** Requires all documents, whether submitted online or physically, to be verified by the concerned airlines. * **Difference/Effect of the Change:** The amendment significantly alters the process for claiming travel allowances. It introduces an electronic submission option, simplifies the process in cases where boarding passes are lost, and imposes a verification step with the airlines. This likely results in faster processing, reduced paperwork, and increased accountability. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience is Members of Parliament, their spouses (specifically relating to travel allowances under section 6B), and their attendants (specifically relating to travel allowances under section 6D). The involved stakeholders also include the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, the Joint Committee of Houses of Parliament, the Central Government, airlines, and the Dte. of Printing at the Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Joint Committee of Houses of Parliament is responsible for making the rules, after consulting with the Central Government and confirmation by the Chairman of the Council of States and the Speaker of the House of the People. The Rajya Sabha Secretariat (F.No.RS.112JPC2022MSA JAGDISH KUMAR, Addl. Secy.) also plays a role. Airlines are responsible for document verification. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The rules came into effect on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette (May 12, 2022). The procedures involve online submission where feasible, self-attestation, and airline verification. * **Amendment Specific Implementation:** The amendments necessitate the establishment of an online submission platform and the creation of a system for airlines to verify submitted documents. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The expected outcome of these changes is a more efficient, transparent, and accountable system for managing travel allowances. The online submission is expected to expedite processing and reduce paperwork. The self-declaration provision provides flexibility for members while maintaining accountability through airline verification. The impact should be a streamlined process for both members and the administrative bodies involved. **9. Conclusion:** The amendments to the Members of Parliament Travelling and Daily Allowances Rules, 1957, represent a move towards modernization and increased accountability in the management of travel allowances. By incorporating online submission, clarifying procedures for lost boarding passes, and implementing airline verification, these changes aim to streamline the process and ensure responsible use of public funds. The implementation of these amendments is likely to have a positive impact on both Members of Parliament and the administrative bodies responsible for managing their travel allowances. The move towards digitalization also reflects broader trends in governance and administration.

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